. >> he also faced a grilling from longtime friend and senate colleague arizona senator john mccain over his views on iraq war. >> were you correct or incorrect when he said the surge would be the most dangerous foreign policy blunder in this country since vietnam? correct or incorrect? yes or no? >> by reference to -- >> the question is, were you right or wrong? that is pretty straightforward. >> chuck hagel served in the vietnam war, went on to clarify his current position with regards to iraq. >> that particular decision that was made on the surge, the more to the point our war in iraq, i think was the most fundamental bad, dangerous decision since vietnam. >> chuck hagel emphasized his support for israeli dominance and for keeping all options on the table to prevent iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. he also affirmed his commitment to implementing obama's repeal of don't ask, don't tell and to addressing the issue of sexual assault in the military. former massachusetts senator john kerry is due to be confirmed as secretary of state today as hillary clinton steps down. on wednesday